Guti has just turned 31, but he still feels he has a lot to offer. He is Real Madrid's gear assembly. In an interview to El Mundi, the team's second captain said he likes the current campaign and that he thinks the team will win a title.





What do your wrinkles tell you when you look in the mirror every morning?
Hey! I'm only 31! I'm still a kid! I feel great. I've never been seriously injured and I must have some sort of gift (laughs) because I feel stronger every day.
What do you feel when you think that the day of your retirment will come sooner than later?
I've never thought about that. I'm aware of the fact that this will have to end someday, but I'm not worried about it yet. I wish to be smart enough to leave when I really have to. I've learned from teammates I've had that it is a very important and complicated moment in a footballer's life.




It seems Real Madrid won't let you go any time soon...
That's what it seems, but you should never be too sure about things like that (laughs). Football is ruled by very strange mechanisms. It is somewhat amazing that Raúl, Iker and myself have been so long on this team. It seems players don't last a very long time at the same club nowadays. I always look at captain armbands; some players are team captains for only two or three years.

Is there another Guti in the youth system?
I'm sure there is.

As good as you are?
Much better. Some kids in the youth system are magnificent players. Their passion for football is amazing and they will be able to play wherever they want.

Are you sure? Times have changed very much...
I was lucky and I know they will have to be even more lucky. Being amazing isn't enough for a player in the youth system anymore; people at the Club will have to start preferring to see their own men playing on the first team than someone from another club. Real Madrid have always been obliged to sign players from other teams, but they should also take good care of the youth system.



What would you advise a younger Guti to do? What should he do that you didn't?
I have always rspected this badge. Naturally, I have made some mistakes, but I honestly think none of them have been too serious. I'm still here.

Do you feel more important with Schuster as coach?
I feel I have a constant duty to do and I like that. He knows exactly what he wants from me and I think I know what that is. My mission is to be the team's playmaker, to move the ball intelligently. I've been doing that my whole life and I feel I am a professional at it.

Do you feel you will retire with Schuster as coach?
I haven't thought about that. I don't think we've had such a creative coach in midfield as Schuster since Vicente del Bosque left. He's been heavily criticised because we haven't played that well most of the time, but no one can say he actually wants us to play badly. Schuster believes football should be entertaining

You had trouble playing well until you faced Valencia...
Maybe. You know, teams we face don't just stand still waiting for us to play beautifully. Sometimes things work out and sometimes they don't. A long time has to pass before a team instinctively showcases a beautiful style all the time. We have to know each other better, understand each other without words. We need time to get there.

Is Schuster as dry with you as he is with the media?
Real Madrid didn't sign him for the jokes he cracks, but for his quality as coach. I think he knows exactly what he wants. He is still adapting to the team and I think he is doing a great job.

Does he listen to advice?
He has a strong character, but he isn't a monster. He has his own thoughts about how the team should work and play... We listen to him and we try to do what he says. He is capable of reacting and using a Plan B or a Plan C when Plan A doesn't work...

Do you think Valencia played poorly?
They conceded a goal right after kick-off that shattered their plans. From the on, they did nothing well, but we did. I nevertheless think they are a great team.

Do you think Real Madrid can win the Champions League again?
I think so. I will finally play in a final (laughs).